Friday, May 25, 2012

Connecticut attorney general to seek restitution from Winsted dentist over billing practices

I’d say if your are a corrupt dentist in Connecticut and have your name on a PC or PLLC you might be a dumbass. Here is what happened to Dr. Doug Macko. So, if you are in a dental clinic there, and pacing the floor with worry, then you know you are doing criminal acts, right? Get your nitro pills ready. (You know who you are)

HARTFORD –Published: Thursday, May 24, 2012
Attorney General George Jepsen said in a statement that he is seeking restitution from a Winsted dentist and his practice for “allegedly violating the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act by illegally billing the Connecticut Medical Assistance Program from April 2002 through October 2009.”

“The state Department of Social Services administers the Connecticut Medical Assistance Program, which includes Medicaid and other programs that pay for medical benefits for certain low-income and disabled Connecticut residents. DSS terminated the provider agreement for (Dr.) Douglas J. Macko ... and on Oct. 26, 2010, suspended him from the program for 10 years,” the statement said.Macko and his professional corporation, Douglas J. Macko, D.M.D, P.C., in Southington, “had unlicensed dental assistants perform cleanings and other dental services, which may only be performed by licensed dental professionals, and then billed the state as if Macko had performed the services,” the statement said. “Alleged illegal billings were also made for services that were never provided.”The complaint also alleges that “the acts, practices and course of wrongful conduct by Macko violated public policies against larceny, vendor fraud, health insurance fraud and against a medical provider violating licensing requirements.”
“This action is being brought to seek restitution, civil penalties and other relief authorized by law,” Jepsen said, also in the statement. “It should also send a clear message to other providers that Connecticut will not ignore fraudulent billing and other illegal practices and will vigorously pursue restoration of taxpayer dollars lost as a result.”Susan E. Kinsman, director of communications for Jepsen's office said Thursday that the action brought by the attorney general is a civil one and, "It is our understanding that criminal charges have not been brought at this time."

Jepsen brought the action at the request of state Consumer Protection Commissioner William Rubenstein and based on a referral by DSS, the statement said.“While Medicaid-enrolled providers as a group are above-board and honorable, this case underscores the need for continued vigilance in removing outliers,” DSS Commissioner Roderick L. Bremby said, also in the statement. “We thank the Attorney General’s Office and Department of Consumer Protection for working with DSS anti-fraud personnel to root out waste and fraud from the system.”